Sunday, February 17th, 2013

Star Lotulelei could rise to the top of the board when the 2013 NFL Draft begins.

NEPD Staff Writer: Dan Hope

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine is less than a week away, and as a result, pre-draft chatter and speculation continues to increase.

Although the board can still be adjusted by players’ Combine and pro day performances, and teams’ draft strategies will be defined by free agency in March, NFL executives and scouts — and the media who cover the NFL draft — are watching more and more draft prospect tape to solidify their evaluations of the draft’s top prospects.

Before this weekend’s festivities kick off at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, I have updated my projections through the first three rounds of this year’s draft — including some major changes at the top of the board.

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Quinton Patton could be the target if the Patriots look to add another offensive weapon early. (USA Today Sports Images)

NEPD Staff Writer: Dan Hope

The New England Patriots’ focus has shifted to the offseason and the 2013 NFL Draft, in which they hold the No. 29 overall pick in the first round following their loss in the AFC Championship Game.

While Patriots fans unfortunately do not have a Super Bowl to look forward to this Sunday, they are already thinking ahead to what players will make up the next rookie class in New England at the end of April.

Over the course of the week it was clear there are many players who could fit what the Patriots need, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Here are 15 players that fit with the Patriots based on the week in Mobile and the needs of the team.

Friday, January 25th, 2013

Quinton Patton was the best receiver at the 2013 Senior Bowl. (USA Today Sports Images)

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

All the football that “really mattered” is in the books and it’s time to start reflecting on the past week and what it means going forward. Overall, I thought the practices were much more productive than last year and all of that can be attributed to new Executive Director Phil Savage.

Savage wanted to make sure scouts were able to get as much information as possible while down here in Mobile. In this article I take a look at each position and let you know who I think was the top performer at each one.

Friday, November 30th, 2012

Who could the Patriots land in the 2013 NFL Draft?

NEPD Editor: Mike Loyko

It’s just about that time of year. The college football regular season is winding down, the NFL Draft order is shaping up and prospects are deciding whether to stay in school or make the jump to the NFL. That means NFL Draft season is upon us. Fans and analysts are already looking ahead and taking a shot at projecting which prospect “their” team might wind up with in a draft that is 5 months away.

With that being said here is my first attempt to project who the New England Patriots could possibly end up with in next April’s draft.